Understanding and Managing Holiday Stress

The holiday season is upon us, carrying a whirlwind of holidays, marketing blitzes, parties, and endless activities. While this season aims to evoke love and cheer, it can also be a precursor to stress for many.

According to a poll conducted on this site, more than 80% of us find the holiday season 'somewhat' or 'very' stressful. This stress can stem from various sources, including:

• Overdoing It: The holiday season is often jam-packed with activities, both enjoyable and obligatory. Trying to cram too much into your schedule can lead to feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.
• Excessive Eating, Drinking, and Spending: The temptation to indulge excessively in these areas can lead to guilt and regret. This can also adversely affect our health and finances.
• Excessive Togetherness: Spending prolonged periods with family and friends can be stressful, particularly if there are underlying tensions or disagreements.
• Absence of Togetherness: For individuals who are single, divorced, or estranged from their families, the holiday season can be a lonely time.
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): This type of depression is triggered by the shorter days and reduced sunlight of the winter months. It can lead to sentiments of sadness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.

Mitigating Holiday Stress

The positive news is that holiday stress is predictable. Unlike many other types of adverse stress we encounter in life, we are aware of when holiday stress will commence and conclude. This foreknowledge allows us to take measures to minimize the amount of stress we experience and its detrimental impact on our lives.

Here are some tips for minimizing holiday stress:

• Prioritize Wisely: Determine which traditions have the most positive impact and eliminate the others.
• Embrace Shortcuts: Find ways to simplify the activities that hold value for you.
• Be Mindful of Holiday Eating: Plan ahead by being cognizant of your triggers, having healthy food options available, and practicing mindful eating.
• Adjust Your Expectations for Togetherness: Set limits on the time you spend with family and friends.
• Plan and Schedule: Document your plans to assess their feasibility.
• Breathe Deeply: Take a few deep breaths to reduce your stress levels.
• Make Time for Yourself: Schedule "me" time to relax and recharge.

Remember, the holidays are about spending quality time with loved ones, enjoying yourself, and creating lasting memories. Do not let stress mar your holiday season. By following these tips, you can reduce your stress levels and savor the holidays to the fullest.

A Word From Verywell

The holidays are often a time when we concentrate on others by sending cards, procuring gifts, and cooking meals. However, during high-stress periods, it becomes even more vital to prioritize self-care. If you anticipate the holidays to be stressful, plan accordingly, ensure you schedule "me" time, and carve out moments for self-care activities.